In recognition of National Therapeutic Recreation Week (July 9 - 15, 2012), the adjunct therapy staff at Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center in Toms River will participate in the same stress-relieving activities utilized to help patients heal and cope.

Throughout the week, staff can participate in a book discussion, mask-making, hula-hooping and outdoor games, pet therapy and “Adjunct Therapy Jeopardy” – all of which are modeled after Behavioral Health’s adjunct programs and activities designed to treat patients.

“Once they get involved in these activities themselves, staff members really appreciate how these types of therapies can be beneficial to patients,” said Lisa Monogan, Director of Adjunct Therapy, Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center. “We focus on not only educating but demonstrating the importance of fun, relaxation, socialization and creative expression.”

According to Monogan, adjunct therapy is a mix of all different disciplines or modalities – including recreational, pet, art, music, exercise and psycho-educational therapies – that is intended to heal patients by using self-expression as a means to healthy coping.

Adjunct therapists at the Behavioral Health Center will be recognized with an appreciation lunch. Monogan will also travel to other facilities within the Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Network – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, N.J., Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, N.J. and Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, N.J. – to host appreciation lunches for adjunct therapists at each location.

National Therapeutic Recreation week was established by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, a branch of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to enhance public awareness of therapeutic recreation programs and services while expanding recreation and leisure opportunities for individuals with disabilities. 

To register for a free mental health screening or for more information about the Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center, please call the 24-hour Access Line at 1-800-300-0628. 

The Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center offers an extensive array of high-quality, clinically-focused programs. These programs include a 100-bed acute care psychiatric facility which provides inpatient and intensive outpatient programs for adults and older adults diagnosed with psychiatric and dual disorders.

At the Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center, the multidisciplinary staff includes experienced professionals in nearly every facet of behavioral health care. This allows us to provide truly customized and highly specialized treatment tracks, as well as programs for the dually diagnosed.